Cutting T track with the Kapex

[mlfaber]

I have some Incra T track and am thinking of using my Kapex to cut it into smaller pieces. Is this advisable using the standard blade?  Is this the best route or is there a better way?

 

[ccmviking]

    IF you are going to cut a hundred pieces I'd buy the Festool Non-Ferrous blade, which is nice to have around of other stuff too.  If you'e just cutting a few, set the speed on 2-3 and go ahead and cut them.

Chris... 

 

[mlfaber]

Thanks for that.  I only have, maybe 10 cuts total.  I would hate to mess up this blade though!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks for that.  I only have, maybe 10 cuts total.  I would hate to mess up this blade though!

Well, there is a chance you could even with just a few cuts.  I'd use a hacksaw. 

 

[Corwin]

...  I'd use a hacksaw. 

Not if you wanted a nice clean cut.    [cool]

 

[sancho57]

I have a old delta 10" miter saw that I used before my Kapex. When I got my Kapex I went to Blowes and bought a 10" metal grinding / cutting wheel. It works great. Ive used it for cutting pieces for  rack type closet organizers and cutting the clothes hanging  pole for a oak organizer I just completed.

I guess after all this I ust want to say if ya happen to have a old miter saw its a less expensive avenue with good results.

 

[Alan m]

if you have a kapex im guessing you gave a router (good opertunity) . id cut the track with a hack saw (or jig saw ect)  and use a jig to skim the ends with a router bit . ruining a router bit will be a lot cheaper than a new blade for the kapex

 

[johnnyinnb]

I suggest you support the t track with a piece of wood behind it, the opening in the fence is a little wide and the t track may vibrate causing problems

 

[andvari]

if you have a kapex im guessing you gave a router (good opertunity) . id cut the track with a hack saw (or jig saw ect)  and use a jig to skim the ends with a router bit . ruining a router bit will be a lot cheaper than a new blade for the kapex

I think you could also clean up the cut with some silicon carbide sandpaper.

 

[JeromeM]

I have some Incra T track and am thinking of using my Kapex to cut it into smaller pieces. Is this advisable using the standard blade?  Is this the best route or is there a better way?

As the track is aluminum, which is soft, and you are only making a few cuts there is no need to get a different blade. The only thing you need to do is to fix the pieces down to the saw on both sides of the cut for the best results. If you can't do that because the off cut is too short, then cut a slot in some longer scrap, put the T track into that and clamp that to the saw.

You don't need to fasten the T track to the scrap as you have clamped both ends and the short off cut won't go flying.

 

[TomGadwa1]

If you have a Trion or some type of Jigsaw use that with a metal cutting blade for efficient results. Then clean up the cut with some sandpaper or if a metal file is available dress the sharp edge left from the cut with that. Make certain the track is clamped to a support so the action from the jigsaw does not cause a safety issue. The idea stated above about putting the track into a channel in some scrap wood would safely hold the track as the cut is being made.

 

[Laminator]

Cut with a slow steady feed rate and you should be fine.  I have cut many different aluminum objects through the years and have never damaged a blade so far....

 

[mlfaber]

Well...it has been done!  The general consensus was that it would be fine.  With quality of cut and precision to be the most important factors I used the Kapex...deep breath of courage though!  It was fine, besides the blade needs to go in for sharpening anyway.  Thanks for the replies.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Well...it has been done!  The general consensus was that it would be fine.  With quality of cut and precision to be the most important factors I used the Kapex...deep breath of courage though!  It was fine, besides the blade needs to go in for sharpening anyway.  Thanks for the replies.

That was my biggest fear, dulling the blade.  Since it needed sharpening anyway, no harm done.  For anyone else contemplating using ATB blade to cut aluminum just be aware that it won't cut wood like it used to, until you get it sharpened.... 

 

[curt boyer]

Small 4-1/2" grinder and a thin cut off wheel is the way to go. We use this set up for storm door installs, closet rods , any time we need to cut aluminum or steel. Plus you can easily remove burrs and round over sharp edges. I'm with Brice, save the Kapex for wood.
Curt